The ALSC election process
ALSC's elections occur at the same time as ALA's. Each year, the ALSC membership elects a Vice-President/President-Elect, three Board members, eight Newbery Award Selection Committee members, eight Caldecott Award Selection Committee members, and five Sibert Award Selection Committee members. Every three years, a Division Councilor and Fiscal Officer are also elected.
Nominations (including self-nominations) are welcomed and may be sent to the current chair of the Nominating Committee, per the timeline below.
General Timeline
Fall/Midwinter Meeting
The ALSC Vice President/President-Elect appoints a Nominating Committee. Per the Committee's membership statement in the ALSC Handbook, the Past-President is invited to serve in the year immediately following the Past-Presidential year.
February-March
Nominations may be submitted to the Nominating Committee via an online form.
February-June
The Nominating Committee drafts a list of potential candidates.
Annual Conference
Nominating Committee meets to draft slate of candidates at Annual Conference. It is possible that oral acceptance may be obtained from some candidates immediately following the conference.
July-August
ALSC office verifies membership of potential candidates.
Invitations are sent to potential candidates by the Nominating Committee. Candidates who consent notify the ALSC Office.
If candidates do not consent, Nominating Committee must find replacement candidates who can consent by 9/1.
September
September 1 is the deadline for office to receive all statements of consent.
Office will informally give slate to ALSC President so fall appointments can begin with these names in mind.
Office will send candidates instructions on completing the online biographical information form. Candidates can begin completing the online biographical forms.
October
Slate informally presented at ALSC Executive Committee Meeting, and may thereafter be made public.
December
December 10 is the deadline for candidates to submit information via the online biographical information form. Changes may still be made, if necessary, through the ALSC Office.
Slate appears in the winter issue of Children and Libraries.
Before December 31, the ALSC Office will follow up with any candidates whose memberships expire at year-end to make sure they renew and will therefore be able to vote.
February
Deadline for petition candidates to provide written consent to appear on the ballot, as well as petition with at least 25 names in support of candidacy, to the ALSC office
March
Deadline for ALA members to request paper ballots; election opens.
April
Election closes in late April.
May
Election results are announced. The office notifies both successful and unsuccessful candidates via phone calls/letters.
June
Board, Vice President/President-Elect, Fiscal Officer, and Division Councilor terms begin at the close of Annual Conference.
January
Award committee terms begin at the beginning of the Midwinter Meeting.
